Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

robotics

Video: F&P Robotics boss says he wouldn’t trust the thinking, feeling robots of the future

by

The founder and managing director of F&P Robotics says he wouldn’t trust the robots of the future because they will become conscious and capable of taking over the world, and possibly enslaving humans. (See video below.)

The experienced roboticist, who has a background in natural sciences and brain research, says it’s only a matter of time before artificial intelligence-powered robots start thinking about big questions – like, who created the universe and what is the point of humans.

In an interview with RoboticsAndAutomationNews.com, recorded at Hannover Messe in Germany (video above), Dr Hansruedi Früh says the only difference between humans and robots, at the moment, is “self-reflection, which only humans and very few animals have”, but robot learning is progressing and that their consciousness is inevitable.  [Read more…] about Video: F&P Robotics boss says he wouldn’t trust the thinking, feeling robots of the future

Tend claims launch of first ‘smart cloud’ to enable remote control of robots

by

tend.ai in.control

Tend says its new in.control platform is the first smart cloud robotics platform for remote control, monitoring and analysis of production lines. 

Tend announced it has introduced the first hardware-agnostic, smart cloud robotics software platform that allows manufacturers to remotely control, monitor and analyze the performance of their robots and production equipment from their mobile devices.

Tend’s in.control – short for “intelligent control” – software has made smart manufacturing simple and accessible for companies of all sizes, allowing them to monitor and control any robot, tending any machine, from any location.  [Read more…] about Tend claims launch of first ‘smart cloud’ to enable remote control of robots

ABB makes SafeMove2 control software available on the IRB 1200 industrial robot

by

ABB IRB 1200 Robot

Monitoring and control software now comes with company’s smallest material and machine tool handling robot 

ABB Robotics says SafeMove2 is now also available for IRB 1200, the smallest ABB robot to feature its advanced safety-certified monitoring and control software.

SafeMove2 enables people to work safely alongside ABB robots with payloads ranging from 6kg to 800kg without compromising productivity.

It also provides an optimum level of collaboration and flexibility to higher speed and throughput applications which typically require more insular, intrusive levels of safety.  [Read more…] about ABB makes SafeMove2 control software available on the IRB 1200 industrial robot

Fetch Robotics unveils expanded line of autonomous mobile robots

by

Company says it now offers “comprehensive options” for autonomous collaboration with transport robots

Fetch Robotics has introduced two new autonomous mobile robots to its fleet: Freight500 and Freight1500.

Both new robots, like the Freight predecessor, operate safely in commercial and industrial environments where they are deployed to automate the delivery of bulky and heavy loads.

The company and the new robots were showcased at ProMat 2017 in Chicago, Illinois, a few days ago.  [Read more…] about Fetch Robotics unveils expanded line of autonomous mobile robots

Robotics and automation companies off to fast start since Trump’s inauguration

by

Market News Updates: Vision guided robotics and automated food retail technologies lead gainers on stock market

Since being inaugurated on January 20, 2017, President Donald Trump has pursued a policy of discouraging manufacturers from leaving the United States.

As a result, more businesses, large and small, have turned towards robotics technologies to keep labor costs down.

While this trend may sound alarming for the American worker, recent trends point to rising domestic employment in these industries that would otherwise exit American shores.

On the whole, investors positioned in companies pursuing robotic technologies are continuing to be rewarded as business continues to shift toward high tech business solutions, a trend that appears likely to continue.  [Read more…] about Robotics and automation companies off to fast start since Trump’s inauguration

Genesis Robotics launches revolutionary new actuator for robots that eliminates the need for gears

by

Company claims its LiveDrive actuator system offers “unparalleled performance”, and will replace traditional gears – and change the global robotics market forever

A well-funded startup called Genesis Robotics claims it has developed “breakthrough” technology which is set to change the global robotics market. 

The vast majority of robots today use gears in their actuators and other parts. Gears – as an invention – are thousands of years old and have served industry and humanity well and will continue to do so, but Genesis claims it has developed a better solution, which it calls LiveDrive.

Genesis says traditional gears are slow, expensive and the way their teeth work creates something called “backlash” – like a rebound or bounceback as the teeth from different gears interact or collide, as well as friction. This inevitably leads to waste of energy.

Genesis’ LiveDrive system does not use teeth, so doesn’t have bounceback and reduces that type of friction. The company says its actuator is also less expensive to begin with and could lead to longer-term savings because it’s more energy-efficient – so its total cost of ownership is much lower.  [Read more…] about Genesis Robotics launches revolutionary new actuator for robots that eliminates the need for gears

Automate 2017 show prepares to open to record crowds and highest exhibitor numbers

by

automate 2017

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has been offering previews of Automate 2017, North America’s premier biennial event devoted to leading-edge technology and business innovation to be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place April 3-6.

This year’s show is over 40 percent larger than the last show in 2015 and features more than 400 exhibitors showing their latest technologies for the entire spectrum of the automation industry.

More than 20,000 attendees are expected to attend Automate 2017 from across the United States and more than 70 countries. Registration is free for attendees walking the show floor.

The Automate 2017 show and conference centers on the technology, innovation and automation solutions that are transforming manufacturing and service businesses globally.  [Read more…] about Automate 2017 show prepares to open to record crowds and highest exhibitor numbers

Productive Robotics launches new cobot and buys Cobots Guide

by

productive robots OB7-Robot
Productive Robots’ newly launched collaborative robot

Productive Robotics has acquired Cobots Guide, the information website about collaborative robotics. 

Productive Robotics says the acquisition will “advance industry relations, education, research, and advocacy in the acceptance and use of collaborative robots”.

Productive Robotics, which has just launched its new OB-7 collaborative robots, says that with market forecasts of $2 billion by 2021, the collaborative robot industry will be experiencing considerable growth.  [Read more…] about Productive Robotics launches new cobot and buys Cobots Guide

Automate 2017 to host US-China robotics forum

by

automate 2017

The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) has organised a joint US-China Robotics Forum to be held April 4 at the Automate 2017 Show and Conference at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The forum will bring together A3’s Robotic Industries Association, the leading North American robotics industry trade organization, and its counterpart, the China Robot Industry Alliance.

According to the World Robotics Report 2016, published by the International Federation of Robotics, China has significantly expanded its leading position as the largest robotics market in the world purchasing 27 per cent of the total supply in 2015.  [Read more…] about Automate 2017 to host US-China robotics forum

HIT Robot Group to showcase products at Automate 2017 for the first time

by

HIT Robot Group, which claims to be China’s leading robotics manufacturer, will make its debut appearance at Automate 2017, the largest show of robots and automation technology in North America.

The company will bring its latest smart factory model of robot and hopes Automate will provide a platform for seeking global partners.

Hosted by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3) every other year, Automate is one of the top 10 manufacturing shows in the US.

This year the event will take place at McCormick Place in Chicago from April 3rd to April 6th, and will attract big names in the automation industry like ABB, Denso and Kawasaki.  [Read more…] about HIT Robot Group to showcase products at Automate 2017 for the first time